Miller Express shut out Prospects

Head coach Michael Hunt of the Moose Jaw Miller Express congraulates Kevin Gratza on his rare triple in the second inning during Western Major Baseball League action against the Edmonton Prospects on Tuesday evening at Ross Wells Park. Times-Herald photo by Katie Brickman

Terry McNabb and the Moose Jaw Miller Express played shutout baseball and continued to play strong at Ross Wells Park.

The Express played well defensively and offensively in a 10-0 victory over the Edmonton Prospects in Western Major Baseball League action on Tuesday evening.

“It’s a great win, it feels good,” said Kevin Gratza. “It is a great confidence booster and hopefully we can keep going with this home stretch coming up.”

McNabb pitched a complete game and was in control, striking out six, walking two and giving up only four hits.

“I felt good…hitting spots and it seems pretty comfortable here,” stated McNabb. “I felt really comfortable and in control. I was able to hit the spots when I wanted to and worked around the zone.”

“Terry did an awesome job on holding it,” said Gratza of his teammate. “There’s not many runs needed when he’s pitching like that. He was pitching for contact and we only need a few runs. Everyone is more relaxed at the plate.”

The Express got off to an early start, scoring an unearned run in the opening inning. The hits continued in the second inning with Ben Wylly getting things started with a double then Mike Gilleland added a single before Kevin Gratza scored both with a rare triple. Gratza would score on an error by the catcher.

“He was playing off further and I thought Gilleland was going to hold up but I just kept pushing him,” said Gratza said of the triple. “I saw the ball good.”

The home team would extend the lead in the fifth with two more unearned runs. Michael Corso opened the sixth inning with a single then Scott Jones hit a two-run home run and Josh Carroll went deep for back-to-back bombs to seal the victory. Every starting batter had at least one hit and the team had 16 hits throughout the game.

“We hit really well here and we are all about getting on the board early,” said Gratza.

Head coach Michael Hunt of the Moose Jaw Miller Express congraulates Kevin Gratza on his rare triple in the second inning during Western Major Baseball League action against the Edmonton Prospects on Tuesday evening at Ross Wells Park. Times-Herald photo by Katie Brickman